GROTESQQQUE

GROTESQQQUE is an original anime film, meaning it is not based on a manga or novel. It opens in Japanese theaters on November 6, 2026. Studio CloverWorks is making it, and it is released by Aniplex and JOEN. The project is led by Atsushi Nishigori, who is known for directing The Idolmaster anime and for directing and co-writing Darling in the Franxx. The film is an anthology, a collection of separate short stories. It has three segments, each with its own world, mood, and art style. The music is a big part of the project, with about 35 artist groups taking part.

The first story is called ÆLIENS. It has a bright and cheerful look. In its world, Earth has started to trade and make contact with other planets. But many humans still fear and distrust aliens. Into this tense world comes Elie, a young alien girl sent as a goodwill ambassador, a kind of friendly visitor meant to build trust between peoples. Elie loves life on Earth, including all of its silly and strange daily habits. She works with a government worker from the space agency, and together they go looking for "friends" for her.

The second story, YOROSHIKU Girl, is set in a city called GALs TOKYO, where the sun never comes up. Every night, girls who feel they have no place in the real world gather there. They are called "Gal P." (A "gal," or gyaru, is a Japanese fashion style known for bold makeup and a confident attitude.) These girls fight in a game named Queen of Butterfly, and each one wants to win and become the Queen. This part looks like a battle-royale story, where many players compete until one is left.

The third story is NOCTURNE, which takes place after humans have died out. A pure-blooded vampire named Ayame travels across the empty land in a van with three girls. They survived because she bit them, which "infected" them and made them like her. Through a vampire's eyes, even this ruined world looks beautiful. The night sky is so full of stars that it glows almost like day, and fields of golden grass shine around them. The four of them live a quiet, simple life together in what is left of the world.

The three stories are very different: one is a hopeful science-fiction comedy, one is a flashy survival game, and one is a calm, beautiful story about a found family after the end of the world. Together, they show off many styles of animation. It should appeal to viewers who enjoy creative, experimental anime and original stories.